philb7: How about Ditka for AD?

Paul Zeise: The last thing this athletic department needs is to go back to the 50's

PittAT: Can Pat Bostick still redshirt even though he played 1 quarter last Saturday?

Paul Zeise: I think only if he were to get hurt this week. After this week, he couldn't redshirt this year, but he could always still redshirt next season. Tyler Palko did this -- played his first year and then redshirtted his second.

Busey_sTwoMeatballSubs: Paul, I think the pressure this week is on Rhodes, Gattuso and Dunn. The "D," the defensive line and OL need to show some major improvement to prove this program is headed in the right direction.

Paul Zeise: I agree and those guys should be feeling a little pressure. The defensive line will be put to the test this week and if gets abused again and Michigan State puts up another 300 + rushing day, well, it is a fair question to ask -- how much progress has actually been made?

Shady: Will I be the starting running back Saturday?

Paul Zeise: LeSean McCoy will start if LaRod Stephens-Howling isn't healthy enough too, but the bottom line is either way, he'll, oh sorry -- you'll -- get the majority of the carries. And Pitt needs the running game to be very good this week if they want to have a chance to win.

Shady: Is LaRod Stephens Howling going to play at all?

Paul Zeise: Probably, but coaches aren't going to take a chance with him if he isn't healthy enough to play, particularly with a conference home game coming up in the horizon.

Shady: How should the athletic department hire?

Paul Zeise: I am assuming that's a typo and the first word should be "who" and not "how" I don't have a list of guys or females who are qualified for the athletic director job. There are a lot of good candidates but I would say one thing the athletic department needs is a little diversity, so hopefully that is a consideration. Also, I think the new athletic director has to be a more dynamic, vocal and public leader than Jeff Long was. I think a behind the scenes guy was right at the time when Jeff was hired but this athletic department needs more from its leader now.

lifter : Do you think that Buddy Morris has made a difference and will it show up this week?

Paul Zeise: I'm not sure. Like I have said several times, I always get a kick out of the stories that flow after a new strength coach is hired about how "this team is in the best shape it has ever been". Those stories were written when Dave Kennedy was hired and when Mike "don't call me Jeff" Kent was hired and now when Buddy Morris was hired. I think strength coach is an important position on a football team but I can't judge a guy's impact by a couple of wins over weak opponents. This Saturday will tell us a little more indeed.

philb7: Is Pitt going to recruit any 5 star offensive linemen?

Paul Zeise: They already have a commitment from one, Thomas Jefferson's Lucas Nix.

philb7: Where does Pitt stand with Johnathan Baldwin and with Michigan struggling, any chance of Hale or Saddler ending up at Pitt?

Paul Zeise: I don't think it has changed much -- Pitt is right there among a handful of teams who are considered leaders for Baldwin. He'd help a great deal, but the ball is in Pitt's hands -- the Panthers need to win some games to have a chance to land a few of these kids. As for Hale and Saddler, I think they are long shots at best (if even that good of odds) to end up at Pitt.

Busey_sTwoMeatballSubs: Any chance we see Nate Nix 25 pounds heavier and playing middle linebacker at the start of the 2009 campaign?

Paul Zeise: That could happen, but that's a long way away. I do think he'll put on 25 pounds over the next two years and I also think he'll figure more and more into the defense as the season progresses and he gets more experience.

Busey_sTwoMeatballSubs: Would you say one more injury in the interior and Bokor and Martin will be back playing defensive tackle?

Paul Zeise: Yes, Bokor could be sent back, he seems to be the utility guy. Jared Martin, I'm not sure what their plans are with him. He was injured for a while so I am not sure what he is capable of at this point.

Busey_sTwoMeatballSubs: If you see Andre Ware on Saturday Paul, let him know he is as bad as an announcer as he was an NFL quarterback.

Paul Zeise: That could be true, but he was a heckuva college football player.....

Busey_sTwoMeatballSubs: I think Chris McKillop is a hustler, but I don't think he has shed a block since the Syracuse game last season. He might get manhandled this Saturday against MSU's massive tackle.

Paul Zeise: Well, he is a fighter though, a guy who won't quit and he'll battle every play. That's why he is in there, he is one of the more physical players on the team and he's got experience. He isn't explosive like the Sheard or Romeus kids, but he is good at pass rushing and that's what they need from him.

Shady: What are your thoughts about Jeff Long's stay here and his exit?

Paul Zeise: Jeff did some good things and some things that made you scratch your head so it was a mixed bag. His exit didn't surprise me because he was always viewed as a short-timer when he signed on. Some joke that he started looking for his next job the day after he was introduced as the new AD at Pitt.

Shady: From what you've seen so far, how do you size up the Big East?

Paul Zeise: Games against Cinncy and South Florida -- you know those home games Pitt has that everyone is convinced Pitt is going to just walk in and win, all of the sudden look a lot tougher. As does the Navy game, who was a few boneheaded interceptions away from really making Rutgers sweat. I still think the best team is Louisville (even though that defense is suspect) and West Virginia is right there (though tonight could be tricky), but South Florida has to be taken seriously as well. I think Rutgers is good, I'm not enamored by them, though.

Shady: Does Pitt have any chance in (a hot place) to beat Michigan State?

Paul Zeise: Any given Saturday........

Shady: What are your thoughts on Pitt's offense?

Paul Zeise: I think it has been very vanilla, very plain and borderline boring at this point but you'd hope that the coaches were just trying to hold stuff back so that Michigan State didn't get to see it on film. Personally, I think they are trying to hard to keep too many players happy and should just settle in on a lineup and let it come together. The fact that LeSean McCoy was not in the game -- after scoring three touchdowns -- when Pitt took over at Grambling's 5 after an interception was mind boggling and then the play calling that followed made you wonder if the Panthers were actually trying to score a touchdown. It was an example of trying to be too cute instead of playing football.

Shady: How important is a winning season?

Paul Zeise: I think it is important from the standpoint of finishing the recruiting class. Some recruits are waiting to see what Pitt does this season and so it is important for the Panthers to get to a bowl game.

lifter : How much of an impact do strength coaches have?

Paul Zeise: I don't know, it is hard to quantify. I guess the really bad ones probably are easier to spot than the good ones, but again, the teams that seem to win the most have the best players. Obviously a strength coach is important, I just think sometimes their impact is a little over rated based on the story that is trying to be written.

ShadyForHeisman: Paul - Pat Bostick did not look comfortable in the time he was in there this past week - how did he look in practice this week?

Paul Zeise: He's a freshman and he is learning. He'll get better with more experience, but you are right, he was a little like a deer in headlights.

ShadyForHeisman: Paul - If need be on Saturday against MSU and Kevan Smith needs to complete a deep pass - can he do it? Or they are going to pretty much try to throw everything underneath and run the ball to keep things simple?

Paul Zeise: He did complete a long one to Oderick Turner on Saturday so yes.

ShadyForHeisman: Doug - My daylillies are starting to wilt - any ideas?

Paul Zeise: wrong chat

skunk-bear: Paul-You mentioned oyu woud like to see a minority candiate hired in the Athletics depart-I idsagree with you, you shouldn't hire someone based on color-but anyway, what about Mark May?

Paul Zeise: I don't think you should hire someone based on color either. I do think diversity is important and I do think that the Pitt athletic department lacks it. As for Mark May, um, no. Outside of yelling at Lou Holtz on TV and being a great former player, what are his qualifications?

Ballskills: I was very happy with Kevin Smith's performance last week. I was concerned that the snap handling issues would pop up with the wet weather and all. Has he found one specific thing that was causing his past problems or is there more to it than that? Is it something you expect to surface again in the future?

Paul Zeise: No I think it was just nerves and the more he settles in the less it will be an issue

skunk-bear: Any chance Pitt can land Pryor-he is a legit talent and this bostick kid looks like a pussy cat.

Paul Zeise: No chance at all.

ShadyForHeisman: Paul - I've read Duncan saying they've been thinking about the MSU game all summer and trying atone for last years beating - have you seen any evidence that they have been kind of looking at this game all year?

Paul Zeise: That's funny because the players and coaches have insisted for the past two weeks that they are taking it one day at a time.

skunk-bear: When will the script Pitt return-but with same color scheme as today?

Paul Zeise: Ask the next AD

skunk-bear: How many touchdowns does Pitt lose by the weekend-3?

Paul Zeise: If I knew that I'd be the next Sam Rothstein and living in luxury in Vegas

ShadyForHeisman: Paul - When are we going to see the playmaking ability of Maurice Williams on display?

Paul Zeise: Well they tried last week and the first time he touched the ball it was a 16-yard loss. That wasn't his fault but you just have to be patient, the coaches want to get him the ball and they will but it has to be in the context and flow of the game.

pittfan: Should we expect this game with MSU to be closer this year than over what happened last season?

Paul Zeise: I don't know, I really don't. I want to believe the defense and defensive line are indeed better but excuse me if I am a little skeptical given what I've seen for the past five seasons with this defense. I mean, I might be the only reporter in the country who has covered career-high rushing and passing days by more than 15 individuals......

skunk-bear: Would Pitt ever come out wearing just all black?

Paul Zeise: Um, no

Panther_in_NC Hey Paul, Considering the problems with the offensive line and the fact that we have talented tight ends, receivers and now some more talent at RB and FB why don't we use quick passes to keep the defense off balance a little more? It seems as though the strategy is either run or throw the deep ball.

Paul Zeise: Actually, with Kevan Smith in there, that is all the offense did, throw it short to tight ends and receivers. I think Pitt maybe only took two shots down the field against Grambling, which is a number that has to increase I think if Pitt wants to have a chance this week. Like I said, the offense is very conservative right now, which, if you watch college football, doesn't seem to be a good strategy. College football is all about scoring these days.
pittfan: DW mentioned on his radio show last night that they will likely unveil some new wrinles in the offense, do you see that happening?
Paul Zeise: Yes, I'm sure we will see some more of the aforementioned Maurice Williams and there will be some more flavor to the play calling so to speak. But I wouldn't expect to see a Boise State-like performance (gadgets, balls flying everywhere, pitches and whatnot) because this team is still trying to become a power rushing team and that is the bread and butter
ShadyForHeisman: Paul - If Pitt gets far behind early - do they have any firepower to try to get back in the game? - I don't see any.
Paul Zeise: I don't either. I think they need to keep it close. Pitt has some weapons but with a new quarterback and all the other issues on the line, I just can't see this offense closing a big gap if need to.
skunk-bear: How can you not be a Pitt fan?! Who do I call to get you switched to the Slippery Rock beat loser?
Paul Zeise: Does Slippery Rock's defense stop the run consistently? Sign me up.......
pittfan: Did you see/notice improvement in the oline from game 1 to game 2?
Paul Zeise: Not really, though Mike McGlynn did help. But there were too many penalties and missed assignments and the offense was horrendous in the second half because of it. This unit has to get much, much better.
Ballskills: Is Pitt's offense to relavent in college football today? Looking over the past two weeks, you see pro-style college teams like Auburn and Michigan who are loaded with blue chip talent (Michigan probably at every position), yet they are losing to teams that employee Spread Offenses with much, much less heralded players. Should Pitt fans be concerned with the direction of our offensive scheme in today's game?
Paul Zeise: Good point -- I think the offensive philosophy of establishing the run is sound but as I said, college football these days is about scoring points. You see the best teams, look at a USC, for example. They understand each week they might need to score 42 to win just because of the way the game is played. So each you have to go into the game with the mindset that you are going to score a lot of points and I'm not sure that's the philosophy of this particular staff. The spread offense is the wave and the reason is because it allows teams with less talented offensive lines a chance to compete.
exerciseanatomy: Alll the talk seems to be about Pitt's DL standing up to MSU's OL. How do you think Pitt
Paul Zeise: I'll finish your thought --- Pitt's OL will have its hands full with Michigan State's DL, especially since Mark Dantonio is a coach that loves to pressure. I would expect Kevan Smith will be under a lot of pressure the entire game which means the heat will be on the O-line to get better.
pittfan: Losing Gus M. is tough, I hope that Greg Romeus can still play a little at DE vs MSU. What do you think?
Paul Zeise: It seems like he will play a lot, but again it will be a game time decision.
Fetrow: I know there is no such thing as a lock, but based on what you seen so far, who should Pitt beat
Paul Zeise: Connecticut and Syracuse. If the Panthers lose either of those games, well, it might be time to go back to the drawing board.
pittfan: Do you happen to have any recruiting news to pass on to us today?
Paul Zeise: No it is pretty quiet at this time of year because coaches are so focused on the season.
exerciseanatomy: Sorry, How do you think Pitt's OL will stand up to MSU's D?
Paul Zeise: Asked and answered....
pittfan: Should Shady start at RB over LSH? Is that likely to happen?
Paul Zeise: He is obviously Pitt's best running back but LaRod Stephens-Howling is a good player as well and the old cliche always holds true -- it isn't who starts the game, but who finishes it. I don't think McCoy will become the starter this year unless Stephens-Howling is injured.

BuseysTwoMeatballSubs How about Keith Tribble for the next AD?

Paul Zeise: He's obviously got an impressive resume. I would be all for that.
James_Taipei: Does Pitt have a chance in any Big East games other than against Syracuse and Cinncy?
Paul Zeise: Well Cinncy is going to be a tough game. Like I said, the only two I can see that Pitt definitely should win are Connecticut and Syracuse. The rest will be a matter of how well they play.
mikeinsf: are you confident Pitt can stop or slow down the run at MSU? as i recall, Pitt was on a roll after the onsides kick last year and Strong stopped the mo with the wide open drop
Paul Zeise: That is correct --- had Strong caught that pass Pitt likely goes up at least 13-0 and it could have been a different game. One good thing about the running game of Michigan State this year --- there is no quarterback like Drew Stanton to add to their misery so all of their focus can be on stopping the running backs.
Ballskills: Do you expect that the Pitt gameplans the past two weeks have been purposely vanilla and we will see a more creative gameplan this week?
Paul Zeise: I think so and coaches have said that, but again, if you look at the history of offenses run by this coordinator, I wouldn't expect a bunch of hook and ladder and statue of liberty plays.
exerciseanatomy: Any word on Doug Fulmer's return?
Paul Zeise: Still not close. Coaches are hoping early October.
pittfan: I heard that some changes will be made on the Kick off coverage team. Any comments on that?
Paul Zeise: No, we'll see what those changes actually entail.
Rick_K: Do you think we will see an increased role for Mo Williams this week or in the coming weeks? I've heard good things about him.
Paul Zeise: Yes, I think he'll have a few more plays but he is still a freshman in his third game. He is a playmaker no doubt and coaches want to get him the ball, but he is behind a lot of more veteran players so his role, while expanded, will still be limited.
Rick_K: If Stephens-Howlings is unable to go this week, who backs up McCoy?
Paul Zeise: Good question -- it would likely be Shane Brooks.
Fetrow: Why did Bostick go into the game last week, and burn his redshirt?
Paul Zeise: Coaches just wanted to get him some snaps in case they need to use him later or Smith struggles. You know, the whole "get Bostick some work" thing.....
Ballskills: Does it make any sense to you that the committee set up to select the next AD consists of a number of people who basically will be selecting their future boss?
Paul Zeise: Those committees aren't nearly as powerful or important as they are made out to be. This search will be conducted by one, perhaps two, people at Pitt and they'll make the decision for the reason you just stated.
Ballskills: i have heard rumors that Mark May was interested in the AD job in 2003 and is interested today as well. Is there any truth to that rumor?
Paul Zeise: I have no idea and again, outside of being a Pitt guy, what is his qualifications?
Ballskills: Do you expect Pelusi to play this weekend? He had a real nice game against EMU.
Paul Zeise: Yes, I do expect him to return and he'll help greatly because he is Pitt's best blocking tight end.
Ballskills: Paul, what are your thoughts on Dorin at LB after seeing him in a couple games. Is this position going to work out for him?
Paul Zeise: Dorin has a long way to go. He still doesn't understand angles on defense and he tends to over run plays but he'll get there with more experience. After seeing two games, there is no question that Adam Gunn is the best option at strong side linebacker right now.
Paul Zeise: OK, well, I have a lot more questions to answer but unfortunately no more time. Check in next week at the same time and we'll do it again. Thanks for participating and remember this week's game will answer a lot more about Pitt and will give us a good idea of how the season is going to go.